Coach Brad Dedman and Wilson Central have jumped out to a 5-0 start.
Smyrna has outscored its first four opponents by a combined margin of 208-50
Independence’s Troy Henderson (21) hurdles over players as he runs the ball during the game against Smyrna.
The 2016 high school football season has reached the midway point for the majority of high school football teams in the state. Here is a look at The Tennessean’s high school football midseason report:
Pleasant surprises
Donelson Christian Academy (5-0): A 14-point victory was the closest win for the Wildcats, who are averaging better than 37 points behind running back Jayden Walker.
Goodpasture (4-1): The Cougars snapped a 22-game losing streak with a win over White House in Week 2 and haven’t looked back, reeling off four consecutive victories.
Smyrna (4-1): Led by quarterback John Turner, the Bulldogs have just one blemish so far — a 21-7 loss to defending Class 5A state champion Independence — and have outscored their other four opponents by a combined margin of 208-50.
Maplewood (4-1): Following a three-win campaign, the Panthers started the season with a loss to unbeaten Stratford before reeling off four consecutive victories.
Wilson Central (5-0): The Wildcats, which reached the Class 6A quarterfinals last season despite finishing below .500, have won three of its five games this year in blowout fashion.
Blackman is off to its worst start since 2006.
The disappointments
Blackman (1-3): The Blaze entered the season ranked fourth in Class 6A but have struggled defensively, giving up 38 points or more in three of their four contests.
Dickson County (1-4): Behind veteran standouts Jacob Murphree, Jack Sensing and North Carolina commitment Caleb Rozar, more was expected of a Cougar squad that is surrendering 45 points per game.
Franklin Road Academy (0-4): The Panthers were expected to contend for the Division II-A East/Middle District 2 championship, but they’ve dropped each game by at least two touchdowns.
Kenwood (2-3): Purdue commitment Antwaun Branch continues to pile up yardage, but Kenwood isn’t compiling as many victories after last season’s eight-win campaign.
La Vergne (1-4): The Wolverines had high hopes with Tennessee commitments Princeton Fant and Maleik Gray, but La Vergne’s four losses includes one to Antioch, which snapped the Bears’ 13-game losing streak.
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East Nashville’s Jacob Phillips (1), Oakland’s JaCoby Stevens (7), Gallatin’s Jordan Mason (27) and MBA’s Ty Chandler (44)
Stars shining
T.J. Carter, Sr., ATH, Stratford
The Memphis commitment and Dandy Dozen selection has 793 all-purpose yards with 11 total touchdowns in four games.
Ty Chandler, Sr., RB, MBA
The Tennessee commitment and Dandy Dozen selection has rushed for 18 touchdowns and is averaging 10.9 yards per carry.
Jordan Mason, Sr., RB, Gallatin
Mason has rushed for 1,126 yards and 11 touchdowns through five games and is averaging better than 11 yards per carry.
Jacob Phillips, Sr., MLB, East Nashville
Dandy Dozen selection has 43 total tackles with two interceptions, a fumble recovery and a pair of defensive touchdowns.
JaCoby Stevens, Sr., ATH, Oakland
The LSU commitment and Dandy Dozen selection has hauled in four interceptions, and he’s also made 14 catches for 355 yards and four touchdowns.
Stratford’s defense has posted three shutouts this season.
Trending now
- Defending Class 5A state champion Independence has extended its winning streak to 20 games.
- Unbeaten Stratford has allowed just 26 points, winning three of its five games via shutout.
- Cane Ridge (5-0) can match its longest winning streak in program history with a win at Hillsboro on Friday.
- Oakland has won its first five games by a combined score of 173-20.
- Defending Division II-AA state champion Brentwood Academy stretched its region winning streak to 10 games with last week’s 35-0 victory over Baylor.
- Franklin’s run defense is surrendering 45.8 yards per game. The Rebels have only allowed one opponent (Riverdale) to eclipse the 100-yard mark.
Can’t miss contests
Week 6: Marshall County at Stratford
Non-region clash of unbeatens features a wealth of talent, including Stratford’s T.J. Carter, a Memphis commitment, and Marshall County quarterback Bryce Wallace.
Week 7: Maplewood at Pearl-Cohn
Critical Region 5-4A matchup will mark the 29th meeting between the Metro Nashville rivals.
Week 8: Brentwood Academy at MBA
Rematch of last year’s Division II-AA title game may very well determine East/Middle Region champion.
Week 9: Wilson Central at Franklin
Franklin’s season-opening loss to Centennial — a game in which the Rebels led most of the way — is the only setback for either of the Region 3-6A foes.
Week 10: Nashville Christian at MTCS
Region 5-1A road test for reigning state champion and fifth-ranked Nashville Christian.
Week 11: Smyrna at Oakland
The seventh-ranked Bulldogs and second-ranked Patriots could meet to determine the Region 2-6A champion.
Reach Craig Harris at 615-259-8238 and on Twitter @CHTennessean. Reach Michael Murphy at 615-259-8262 and on Twitter @Murph_TNsports.
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